Matthews signs with Cincinnati Reds

Jaren Matthews slugged 36 doubles, 23 homers and five triples in his three seasons at Rutgers. (MyCentralJersey.com file photo)

Former Rutgers baseball standout Jaren Matthews, who last month was selected by the Cincinnati in the 32nd round of the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, decided to forgo his final season of eligibility with the Scarlet Knights and sign with the Reds.

Matthews, a slugging first baseman who reported to Cincinnati’s Rookie League affiliate in the Arizona League on Monday night, was a two-time All-Big East selection who started every game for the Scarlet Knights during his three years in the program.

His departure means Rutgers returns only five of its 10 regular position players from a team that finished the 2010 season with a 30-26 overall record and reached the semifinals of the Big East Tournament.